1. of or relating to heterochromatin; consisting of or containing densely packed, transcriptionally inactive DNA
Usage: biology; genetics
2. having different colors; displaying variation in color
Usage: rare; technical

Examples

• Heterochromatic regions of the chromosome are typically transcriptionally silent.
• The heterochromatic DNA near the centromere is highly condensed.
• Scientists study heterochromatic and euchromatic regions to understand gene expression.
• Pericentromeric heterochromatin plays a role in chromosome segregation.
• The heterochromatic nature of certain genomic regions affects their accessibility to transcription factors.